Farmers protest inheritance tax changes ahead of budget

Farmers protest tax changes ahead of budget Image caption, Protestor organiser Dan Willis said the tax increase meant famers "can't invest in the future" By Alex Meakin South of England Published 2 hours ago Farmers have gathered in Berkshire to protest changes to inheritance tax. After initially proposing that a 20% tax would be paid on inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1m from April, the government announced in December that the threshold would go up to £2.5m. Despite the changes, the protesting farmers want to see the tax changes introduced in April axed entirely. A government spokesperson said it valued "hardworking farmers" and the raised threshold would "protect small family farms and businesses while ensuring the largest estates make a fair contribution". Around 90 farmers gathered on a field near Newbury showground for the protest on Tuesday afternoon. The Autumn Budget will be announced by the Chancellor John Healey on 28 October. Image source, Berkshire Farm Girl Image caption, The farmers used more than 80 tractors to spell out "AXE THE TAX" Since April this year there has been 100% relief on the first £2.5m of combined agricultural and business property, with a 50% relief on value above that cap. Previously this tax relief had been 100%. Dan Willis, who runs Rookery Farms near Newbury, organised the protest and said: "We can't invest in the future. We are facing such difficult problems with the geopolitical landscape that going forward at the moment is impossible. "We are legitimately trying to run a business but at the moment there's better odds in Las Vegas. "I don't want to have to take all these tractors back to London on budget day, but if we're not listened to they're going to come back to London." More news from Berkshire Watch the latest episode of South Today Attribution iPlayer Listen to the latest news from Berkshire When asked about the watering down of the tax changes he said: "It's not enough. You're taking people's livelihoods away. "These farms have been farmed for generation after generation. I'm the fifth generation. Unfortunately, this type of tax is what can wipe it out." A government spokesperson said "We value our hardworking farmers. "We listened to farmers and raised the relief threshold to £2.5 million to protect small family farms and businesses, while ensuring the largest estates make a fair contribution so we can deliver support for families and businesses, including cutting the cost of living. "We have boosted funding by £65m to help farmers manage drought pressures, protect crops and strengthen resilience for the future." Get in touch Your Voice Contact form Contact form Related topics Berkshire Tax Related Links Social media star is BBC farming award winner Published 14 November 2022 More on this story Rural crime costs 'demoralise' farmers Published 24 June 2025